Its demands relating to the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir set to be taken up by a panel of security experts, the PDP’s focus shifted to ironing out differences with coalition partner Congress as Mufti Mohammed Sayeed met Sonia Gandhi today. The meeting came amid continuing differences over governance issues, with PDP ministers having boycotted the last three meetings of the state Cabinet.As Mufti left 10, Janpath after the meeting this evening, he said he had highlighted “some problems” in coordination and smooth running of the government. The Congress president had assured him that she would personally look into the matter of smoother functioning of the government and would ensure that the “coalition will function in a coordinated manner,” he said.There are reports of resentment among PDP ministers over recent decisions like the creation of new districts and scrutiny of transfer orders issued by ministers. The PDP had also reacted strongly to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s assertion — a day after Singh invited the PDP for talks on its demands — that the situation was not conducive to demilitarisation and that the government was at a crucial stage in its fight against militancy. Two meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week and today’s discussion with Sonia Gandhi, however, seemed to have helped in smoothening some ruffled feathers. “The objectives set out in the Common Minimum Programme would be taken forward,” said Mufti, stressing that both parties had to work towards resolving the Kashmir issue. The Centre has already indicated its willingness to set up a committee comprising security experts to look at PDP demands, which include gradual withdrawal of troops from civilian areas and repeal of laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act. While the government may look at some measures like vacating orchards and farmlands occupied by security forces over the years, it has made it clear that it would not move troops out of areas where anti-militancy operations were continuing. During today’s meeting, the PDP patron discussed some key demands raised by the party. These included steps to minimise human rights violations so that the common man was not harassed and an end to killings due to mistaken identity. The PDP leader also brought up laws it opposes like the Disturbed Areas Act and the issue of security forces occupying farmlands and other property in civilian areas. The PDP was hopeful that something would emerge in the next few days — before the party’s political affairs committee meets in Srinagar on March 28 — with the Mufti saying he expected the Prime Minister to come out with a response to the party’s demands over the next few days. While Azad is in Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti is likely to stay on in the Capital for a few more days.
